NBA: Dwight Howard savors chance to restart career in...

1of6FILE - In this Nov. 11, 2015, file photo, Al Horford, who led the Hawks with 26 points, waves to the fans celebrating a 106-98 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in an NBA basketball game in Atlanta. Dwight Howard has returned home to play for the Hawks, but the public response has been tepid given his lack of production over the last few seasons and the team's failure to re-sign fan favorite Al Horford. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta-Journal Constitution via AP, File)Photo: Curtis Compton, MBI

2of6Dwight Howard receives a warm welcome from children at a youth center in southwest Atlanta on Thursday.Photo: Brant Sanderlin, MBI

3of6Dwight Howard, center, smiles during a news conference introducing him as the newest member of the Atlanta Hawks NBA basketball team Wednesday July 13, 2016, in Atlanta. Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer is at right. (Brandt Sanderlin/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)Photo: Brant Sanderlin, MBI

4of6Dwight Howard, center, wipes his face during a news conference introducing him as the newest member of the Atlanta Hawks NBA basketball team Wednesday July 13, 2016, in Atlanta. Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer is at right. (Brandt Sanderlin/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)Photo: Brant Sanderlin, MBI

5of6Dwight Howard holds the jersey presented to him by Grant Hill, left, during a news conference introducing Howard as the newest member of the Atlanta Hawks Wednesday July 13, 2016, in Atlanta. (Brandt Sanderlin/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)Photo: Brant Sanderlin, MBI

6of6FILE - In this Nov. 30. 2015, file photo, Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) and Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond reach for the rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game, in Auburn Hills, Mich. Dwight Howard has returned home to play for the Atlanta Hawks, but the public response has been tepid given his lack of production over the last few seasons and the team's failure to re-sign fan favorite Al Horford. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)Photo: Carlos Osorio, STF

ATLANTA - Dwight Howard watched Kent Bazemore choke up with emotion and soon did the same.

Howard has a new team, a new jersey number and a fresh start in his hometown.

After five mostly disappointing years with the Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers after leaving Orlando, Howard says this time will be different. Atlanta is where he belongs.

The Hawks hosted a homecoming Wednesday for Howard, a three-time NBA defensive player of the year, and welcomed back Bazemore at a youth recreation center in southwest Atlanta where Howard grew up. The gymnasium was packed with children, family members and friends.

This was all about a new beginning for Howard, who has switched his number from No. 12 to No. 8 for biblical inspiration. In the Bible, the number eight signifies resurrection and regeneration. Howard says the number will motivate him as he gets in shape and changes his outlook on life this summer.

"One of the things biblically is the purging of the heart, and throughout the years there are things that have happened behind closed doors that it really hardened my heart towards different situations," Howard later told reporters. "I really have to purge my heart and come at basketball in a different manner. I was very upset with how things turned out and what people were saying. I hardened my heart towards everybody."

The Hawks, who have signed him to a three-year, $70.5 million contract, believed the time was right to bring Howard aboard.

"He can have a huge, positive impact," coach and team president Mike Budenholzer said. "He can take us to another level if he and everybody are kind of playing and understanding their roles. We feel like it can be special."

Prigioni to give

Rockets a leader

The Rockets reached an agreement to bring back veteran free-agent guard Pablo Prigioni, a key reserve in their 2015 playoff run, a person with knowledge of the deal said Wednesday.

The deal is for one season with an additional season at the team's option, the individual said on the condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced.

Acquired at the 2015 trade deadline, Prigioni played off the Rockets' bench behind Jason Terry after starter Pat Beverley was hurt late in the season.

Prigioni was sent to the Denver Nuggets in the deal for Ty Lawson and released before signing with the Los Angeles Clippers as a free agent. He averaged 2.5 points and 2.2 assists while playing 14 minutes a game last season.

One of the NBA's oldest players at 39, Prigioni is expected to be a strong locker room presence as a veteran who can readily accept a role in which he would not play regularly.

Police release

report on Green

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green struck a Michigan State football player in the jaw during a weekend confrontation near campus, tried to apologize and then had to sit in jail for a while until he could sober up, according to a police report released Wednesday.

Senior cornerback Jermaine Edmondson - who the school announced Wednesday night has received his release to transfer - claimed he was punched by Green early Sunday outside a restaurant in East Lansing, though officers patrolling the area said they saw or heard a loud, open-handed "slap."

Green was arrested and taken to the East Lansing jail where he had a blood-alcohol level of 0.10, police said. He was released when sober.

If convicted of misdemeanor assault and battery, Green could face 93 days in jail, a $500 fine or both.

Do Wolves have

spot for Garnett?

The Minnesota Timberwolves keep adding big men to their roster in free agency, fortifying the depth behind their starters and calling into question the futures of a couple of notable names.

The Wolves agreed to terms with free agent forward Jordan Hill on a two-year, $8 million contract, a person with knowledge of the situation said on condition of anonymity because the team has not announced the deal.

Hill joins Cole Aldrich, who signed his three-year, $22 million deal Wednesday, as rugged post players to back up Karl-Anthony Towns and Gorgui Dieng.

The additions only crowd the frontcourt further when factoring in veteran Kevin Garnett.

The 40-year-old was only able to play in 38 games last season because of achy knees. He is under contract for $8 million next season. If he returns, it would be a record 22nd season in the league for him.